City says 'run tap' after tests find lead in water

The city has put Bronx residents on alert after elevated levels of lead were found in New York's tap water.

The Department of Environmental Protection says it found slightly higher levels of lead in 15 percent of its water samples. The department monitors water inside homes that have lead plumbing and fixtures, typically found in buildings more than 40 years old.

All city residents are being advised to run their taps for at least 30 seconds or until it's noticeably colder before drinking or cooking with it.

According to experts, lead poisoning can cause serious damage to organs such as the brain and kidneys, but rarely comes from lead in water.